Is it Safe to Drink Starbucks Chai Tea Latte While Pregnant?
Pregnancy can be a tricky time, especially for those who are used to enjoying all their favorite things. But before you take a big sip of your favorite Starbucks Chai Tea Latte, you must ask yourself, “Is it safe to drink while pregnant?”
It’s important to know what you should and shouldn’t be drinking while pregnant. Some drinks are obviously not suitable for pregnant women, such as alcohol, but what about Starbucks Chai Tea Latte? Is this drink safe to consume while pregnant?
In this article, we’ll explore the ingredients in a Starbucks Chai Tea Latte, as well as the effects these ingredients can have on pregnant women. We’ll also provide you with some alternatives to consider if the Starbucks Chai Tea Latte isn’t suitable for you.
Table of Contents
- Is a Starbucks Chai Tea Latte Safe While Pregnant?
- What’s in a Starbucks Chai Latte?
- Dangers of Too Much Caffeine During Pregnancy
- Safe Drinks at Starbucks for Pregnant Women
- Starbucks Drinks to Avoid While Pregnant
- Tips for Pregnant Women Ordering Starbucks
- Time To Decide
Is a Starbucks Chai Tea Latte Safe While Pregnant?
Generally speaking, a Starbucks Chai Tea Latte and chai teas overall are safe throughout pregnancy. A Grande size contains around 95mg of caffeine, which is well under the daily limit of 200mg. However, it is important to keep in mind other sources of caffeine intake throughout the day.
Additionally, the Chai Tea Latte contains significant amounts of sugar, so if gestational diabetes or excessive weight gain is a concern, then it’s better to skip the latte.
What’s in a Starbucks Chai Latte?
A Starbucks Chai Latte is essentially a spiced tea drink that is made with black tea, cinnamon, and clove. It is one of the most popular drinks at Starbucks, and is made with water, milk, and black tea leaves, as well as spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, ginger, cloves, and anise. As it is made with black tea leaves, the Chai Latte does contain caffeine.
Dangers of Too Much Caffeine During Pregnancy
When it comes to caffeine intake during pregnancy, it’s important to be aware of the dangers of having too much. Caffeine is a stimulant, and can cause anxiety, irritability, trouble sleeping, and higher heart rate. Additionally, it can lead to fetal growth restriction, and there is evidence to suggest that it can increase the risk of miscarriage. This is because caffeine can affect the blood vessels, reducing the amount of blood flow to the placenta.
It is worth noting that the amount of caffeine in the Chai Tea Latte is the same as in the black tea.
Safe Drinks at Starbucks for Pregnant Women
Fortunately, there are several other safe drinks that pregnant women can get at Starbucks.
For example, a Decaf Espresso Shot is a great option, as it contains 3-15.8 mg of caffeine per shot. Decaf Coffee is also a safe choice, as it contains 12-13.4 mg of caffeine per 16-ounce cup.
Additionally, Fruit Teas are a safe pregnancy beverage, as they contain 20-45 mg of caffeine.
Starbucks Drinks to Avoid While Pregnant
Unfortunately, there are some drinks at Starbucks that pregnant women should avoid.
Coffee drinks with extra caffeine, such as the Quad Shot Espresso and Triple Shot Espresso, have up to 330 mg of caffeine, which is too much.
Additionally, some herbal teas like Hibiscus Tea Latte and Jade Citrus Mint Tea should also be avoided, as some herbal teas can contain compounds that are not safe for pregnant women.
Blended coffee drinks with extra caffeine should also be avoided, as the Caffe Americano and Espresso Frappuccino have up to 400 mg of caffeine.
Tips for Pregnant Women Ordering Starbucks
When ordering drinks at Starbucks, pregnant women should ask for decaf or low caffeine to avoid caffeine, and avoid syrups and flavorings with caffeine.
It is also recommended that you request a drink with less sugar or no sugar, and ask the barista for any safe alternatives.
The bottom line — it’s important to drink Starbucks drinks in moderation, and limit caffeine to one or two cups per day.
Time To Decide
At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide if you want to include Starbucks’ Chai Tea Latte in your pregnancy diet. Weigh the risks and benefits and make sure to consult with your healthcare provider if you have any additional questions or concerns.
Remember, you know your body best and only you can make the best decisions for your pregnancy.
